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Gabe Evans

RepublicanIncumbent

Law enforcement

Gabe Evans is a former U.S. Army officer and police officer serving as the incumbent U.S. Representative from Colorado's 8th District. He emphasizes lowering the cost of living, securing the border, and ensuring educational freedom through school choice. Evans also prioritizes defending the Second Amendment and American values.

From the candidate’s published profile

Background

Gabe Evans was born in Aurora, Colorado. Evans served in the U.S. Army from 2007 to 2019. He earned a bachelor's degree from Patrick Henry College in 2009. Evans' career experience includes owning/operating a family farm and working as a police lieutenant and a concealed carry firearms instructor. He has been affiliated with Destiny Church in Fort Lupton, the National Rifle Association, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.[1][2]

Bachelor's:
Patrick Henry College, 2009

Campaign money

Raised
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From individuals
$0
From PACs & party
$0
Own money
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FEC filings.

View on FEC.gov(opens in new tab)

Campaign themes

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Campaign websiteEvans' campaign website stated the following:American ProsperityLower the cost of living by reining in deficit spending and the tax-and-regulate policies that are crushing our economy.American SecurityEnsure our military is focused on warfighting and not politically correct agendas.American EducationEducational freedom means families can choose the education that works best for them.Defending American ValuesProtect freedom of expression, defend the Second Amendment, and secure the rights of all Americans.— Gabe Evans' campaign website (July 15, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

Campaign ads

"Football" – Evans campaign ad, released June 11, 2026

View more ads here:

YouTube

Video for [the profile publisher]

Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased September 7, 2023

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Gabe Evans is a conservative State Representative and candidate for Congress who has spent his entire life running toward challenge. Gabe spent twelve years serving his country in the US Army and Colorado Army National Guard as a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot and company commander. He completed a combat deployment to the Middle East and responded to wildfires and search and rescues throughout Colorado.

Gabe also spent over ten years as an Arvada police officer, where he witnessed, first-hand, the consequences of Colorado Democrats’ soft-on-crime policies.

Gabe and his wife own and operate a family farm in southern Weld County. As parents of two boys, they are heavily involved with homeschooling and educational choice. In his free time, Gabe teaches a concealed carry class in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District.

The grandson of Mexican immigrants, Gabe is a Colorado native who truly understands the beauty and responsibility of the American Dream. Preserving that sacred ideal for his community and children is why he served in the military, raised his hand for law enforcement, and ran for the Colorado State House in 2022. Now, Gabe is running toward his next challenge: taking his conservative vision to Congress to make Colorado the best place possible to live and raise a family.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

American Security, starting with the borderAmerican Prosperity, starting with reducing the cost of livingAmerican Education, starting with empowering families

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a father, I am a passionate advocate for education reform, school choice, and the home school community. I strongly believe that underprivileged kids should never be trapped in underperforming schools.

As a Soldier for twelve years, I've sworn to protect the United States and will fiercely advocate for policies that protect American interests overseas and on our borders.

As a police officer for ten years, I've seen first hand how our communities are suffering from the rapidly spiking cost of living. I'll work to make essentials like food, energy, healthcare, and housing affordable.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity and sincerity. When I joined the US Army, Colorado Army National Guard, and Arvada Police Department, I swore three oaths, payable with my life, to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States and care for my community. That motivation and sincerity hasn't changed. As a state representative, and in Congress, I'll continue to put the Constitution first, and do everything in my power to serve We the People.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Even though I'm in the minority as a state representative, I have still delivered real results for the people of Colorado. In 2023 I was the Mothers' Against Drunk Driving legislative champion, a Colorado Chamber of Commerce MVP, the Mental Health Colorado legislator of the year, and many others. These recognitions were given because I worked to pass legislation that helped make our roads safer, protected the free market and Colorado jobs, and improved access to mental health. I'll continue that work in Congress.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember watching the evening news as cruise missiles were being launched during Desert Storm in 1991.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I detailed cars when I was in high school. I stayed there for a year before working in a Mexican restaurant.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Bible

The Silmarillion (J.R.R. Tolkien)

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I support term limits for both state and federal elected officials.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

As a police officer, I responded to a plumber who had his work truck stolen. The gentlemen lost over $10,000 of personally owned tools and equipment in addition to the truck. Because he didn't have tools, he couldn't show up to the jobsite the next day, which means he lost the contract and was replaced. The victim of one criminal act, he lost his entire business and had to start over from scratch. I saw the panic in his eyes as he was trying to grapple with how he would feed his family with no job.

The Leftist pro-crime policies that caused Colorado to become the #1 state in the nation for auto theft are crushing working families. I took a 60% pay cut when I stepped away from law enforcement and entered the political arena because I want to make life better for Coloradans, including that plumber. I'll never stop advocating for all the people I served during the 10 years I was working in the community as a first responder.

Tell us your favorite joke.

You walk into a bar. Somewhere in there is a military pilot. How do you identify them?

Wait five seconds. They'll tell you.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

No one wants another spineless politician. I know what my principles are, those things I will never compromise, but I can also collaborate with anyone. That's why, even as a member of the current Republican super minority in the Colorado State Legislature, 75% of my bills (9 out of 12) have passed. People know me as a straight shooter and an honest broker, and I can have a conversation with anyone. I've found common ground on protecting schools, promoting public safety, reducing job killing regulations, and many other issues. I look forward to continuing that work in Congress.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

No more taxes! Reduce deficit spending! Balance the budget! Lower Inflation and the cost of living!

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

U.S. Senator Tom Cotton

Congressman Jack Bergman

Congressman Brian Mast

Congressman Tony Gonzales

Congressman John James

Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart

Former Colorado House Speaker Frank McNulty

Former Colorado House Speaker Lola Spradley

Brighton Mayor Greg Mills

Gilcrest Mayor Steve Nothem

Former State Senator and Weld County Sheriff John Cooke

Commerce City Councilman and former Mayor Sean Ford

State Representative Anthony Hartsook

Former Fort Lupton Mayor Tommy Holton

Former Brighton Mayor pro tem and former Brighton Chief of Police Clint Blackhurst

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Gabe Evans and I’m running for Colorado State House District 48 (stretching from Brighton to Greeley). I’m a Colorado native, Christian, and have over two decades of service-based military and law enforcement experience. Raised in rural Elbert County, I’ve been involved with agriculture since I was 11 years old. After earning my bachelor’s degree in Government/Strategic Intelligence from Patrick Henry College, I served 12 years in the US Army and Colorado Army National Guard as a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot in command and company commander. I also served for 10 years at the Arvada Police Department as an officer, sergeant, and lieutenant. When my schedule permits, I coach wrestling at Fort Lupton. I’m currently working toward a Master of Public Policy and Administration from Colorado State University. My wife and I live on a working farm in southern Weld County where we homeschool our two boys. My website is www.evans48.com, and I’d be honored to earn your support!

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Reduce crime, support law enforcement, and empower citizens to improve the safety of their communities.Reduce the cost of living by supporting domestic energy production, agriculture, and the free market.Protect parental rights, especially in educational choice and healthcare.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I've sworn three oaths to uphold and defend the Constitution and care for my neighbors. Unfortunately, recent policies from Colorado’s ruling Left have absolutely handcuffed my ability to serve my community. Crime is spiking, cost of living is skyrocketing, and parents’ ability to select a successful education for their kids is in danger. I’m running for House District 48 because I’m a proven leader, and I have two decades of service-based experience necessary to solve the problems that are crippling our families, neighbors, and communities. I stand for freedom, the Constitution, and common sense.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

General/former Secretary of Defense James Mattis. I served under him in the Middle East. He is very intelligent, and he personally cared for his troops. As a state legislator, I believe it is important to be knowledgeable, and to never forget the elected officials are a servant to the people. Mattis embodied both ideals, and I strive to meet that same standard.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Roots of the American Order, by Russell Kirk

American by Choice: The Remarkable Fulfillment of an Immigrant's Dream, by Sam Moore

Second Treatise on Civil Government, by John Locke

The City of God, by Augustine

Summa Theologica, by Thomas Aquinas

The US Constitution

The Declaration of Independence

The Bible

The Law, by Frederick Bastiat

The list goes on . . .

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Knowing and following the Constitution, integrity, honesty, a good work ethic, and a willingness to build relationships with the voters in the district.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Knowledge of and loyalty to the Constitution, integrity, honesty, a good work ethic, and a willingness to build relationships with the voters in the district.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Know the district. Meet as many folks as possible. Be readily available to listen to the people. Represent the district by building relationships. Don't get sucked into the world of politics and lose touch with reality.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave Colorado safe, affordable, and having empowered parents to choose the best education for their kids.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Desert Storm in 1991. I was five years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

For two years during high school, I cleaned and detailed cars.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Bible (first)

The Silmarillion (second).

Both speak to the eternal struggle of good vs evil, and both convey, with beauty and power, the transcendent truth that in the end, Good will win.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Tuor Eladar from The Silmarillion

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

The Lost Battalion, by Sabaton

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Watching the state that I love, and have sworn three oaths to protect, spiral into rising crime, skyrocketing cost of living, and declining education. Sixty percent of Colorado kids can't read at grade level, and seventy percent can't do math at grade level. Inflation and cost of living are rising faster than the national average. I didn't spent 22 combined years putting my life on the line to watch these things happen to my home and my kids' future.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Above all, a desire to serve the people of the state and a willingness to set politics aside in order to do what is right. After that, constructive dialogue and practical wisdom.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Returning to the values that made Colorado great. As a Colorado native, I remember when crime was low, the cost of living was affordable, and our schools actually educated kids (instead of indoctrinating them). Unfortunately, in the last twenty years, Colorado's Leftist state government has ballooned 57% (even adjusted for inflation and population growth). The only thing we have to show for it is higher crime, higher taxes, less affordability, and a declining education system. If Colorado is to remain a great place to live, work, and raise a family, we have to get back to the basics. The state government should focus on essentials such as public safety, transportation, empowering the free market, and funding kids and teachers (not bloated bureaucracies).

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

Colorado is bicameral and I see no reason to change that.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

It is helpful, but not required. Legislators must have broad knowledge, since they will be making decisions that impact an entire state. They must effectively network with the people in their district. When issues arise in areas where a legislator doesn't have a lot of experience, they can quickly reach out to citizens who do have expertise in those fields. Experience in building and maintaining professional relationships is vital to being a successful legislator who accurately represents the people.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes. During my 22 years of service in the military and law enforcement, I learned the single most important skill a leader can have is the ability to build relationships and get along with other people, even in areas of disagreement. Without a basic relationship, nothing productive can happen. Communication, collaboration, and problem solving all require a working relationship. I excel at building those relationships. It's why I was successful in the military and law enforcement; I was frequently promoted ahead of peers and given command level assignments. I look forward to applying those same skills to the legislature and collaborating with my colleagues, while also knowing when to stand firm and not compromise.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Colorado recently switched to an independent commission consisting of equal numbers of Republican, Democrat, and Unaffiliated voters. It seemed to work better than previous systems.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

I would be happy with any of the following:

Agriculture, Livestock, & Water

Energy & Environment

Judiciary

State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs

Transportation & Local Government

If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?

N/A

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Right now, I am completely focused on serving the citizens of House District 48.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

As a police officer, I got tired of being unable to help victims of crimes. Recent legislation passed by the ruling Left has handcuffed law enforcement, re-victimized victims, and empowered criminals. That's why Colorado is number one nationally in bank robberies, auto theft, and porch pirates, and number two in fentanyl overdose deaths. The Left's policies prevented me from helping the very citizens I swore to protect. The stories are numerous, but one in particular is a nine year old girl who was struck by a drunk driver. She was in rehab for six months, learning to walk again. Because Colorado's Leftist legislature is not holding criminals accountable, the drunk driver got probation. Picking up a bleeding girl out of the street, speaking to her frantic mother, and then knowing the drunk driver who broke every bone in her lower body got a slap on the wrist, was gut wrenching. I want to serve and protect my community, not stand in awkward silence while Leftist policies empower lawless behavior that is destroying our neighborhoods.

Tell us your favorite joke.

A person walks into a bar. Somewhere in the bar is a military pilot. How can you identify the pilot?

Wait five seconds. The pilot will tell you.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Having worked in both the executive and legislative branches of government, the executive should be able to use emergency powers for a short period of time (for example, 30 days). Any emergency powers after that should require the ratification of the legislature.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Wisdom is knowing when to bend and when to stand firm. I can collaborate with anyone, but I also know what values I'll never compromise.

On the 2026 ballot

Links

Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026 and FEC filings.

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